COUGARS are set for a home clash with Wigan Warriors -- when the clubs meet in the first round of the Under-18 Academy competition.

The tough opening fixture will be a big test for the youth team at Cougar Park, but they are looking forward to testing their skills against one of the too young teams in the world.

"The lads are really on a high and can't wait to take on Wigan it will be a tough match, but the Warriors won't get it all their own way," said Academy manager Jeremy Crowther.

The game is due to be played at Cougar Park on Saturday, April 5.

Last season the club's youth side played at Under-19 level, with many of the squad taking on players a year older. this time a nucleus of the old team will still be in place despite playing at a younger level.

Last year they battled their way through a tough season and started to produce real success.

They start the season in a tough group alongside St Helens, Salford, Leigh Centurians and London Broncos.

The opening five games are due to be: Wigan (April 5), Salford away (April 13), London Broncos home (April 19), Leigh away (April 27), St Helens home (May 3).

After the group phase the top ten clubs will form a Championship Division, with the remaining seven clubs competing in the First Division. There will also be two 'Origin' games to spotlight the best players are the age group.

Most of the young Cougar team have come through the club's Community Development programme with coaching by jason Ramshaw, backed by financial support from Harrison and Clough. The Cougar Junior Academy team will also play a pre-season game against the Cowling Harlequin senior side on March 26 at Cougar Park with a 7.30 kick-off.

"We have some very promising young players and these are the future of the Keighley club. We want to give all local young players a real opportunity to make the grade," Jeremy Crowther said.

The club's senior side has a rest this weekend, giving injured players an extra period to recover.

Coach Gary Moorby said: "The break has come at a good time and I hope Ricky Helliwell will have recovered from his bruised shoulder for the visit of London Skolars on March 9."

But there is a bigger doubt hanging over Gareth Hewitt who is due to have an exploratory operation at the Yorkshire Clinic on his knee.

"Phil Guck has also been struggling with a hamstring injury and Simeon Hoyle has been having a few problems with his back in recent weeks, but hopefully they will be back fighting fit after the extra rest," Moorby said.

Players will also be in for training session, working to ensure they turn pressure into points.

"We only had ourselves to blame for losing against Hunslet, we repeatedly good ourselves into good a good position, only to squander it with poor execution

"We had several scoring chances against Hunslet, yet took the wrong option. They had three scoring opportunities and took them all.

"We need to start taking our chances or we will be in for another frustrating season," Moorby said.

Off the field the club is planning a £50,000 project to increase ground security.

n A Fans Forum is to be held in the Hall of Fame Bar at the club tonight (Friday) when coach Gary Moorby will be alongside directors Neil Spencer and Colin Farrar to answer any questions and look at ways of taking the club forward.

"I hope as many people as possible will come along with their suggestions, the club can only progress with their support," Gary Moorby said.